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Abstract:

A control device for a bicycle, has a first body adapted to be associated
with a bicycle handlebar, at least one control member of at least one
bicycle component, and a second body, distinct from the first body,
associated with the first body to increase a grip surface of the control
device and/or to vary the relative position of the at least one control
member with respect to the handlebar of the bicycle, so as to adapt the
control device to the size of the cyclist's hand.

Claims:

1. Control device for a bicycle, comprising:a first body adapted to be
associated with a bicycle handlebar;at least one control member that
controls at least one bicycle component that is remote from the control
member; anda second body that is distinct from the first body,wherein the
first body defines a grip portion of the control device and the second
body defines at least one of: a further grip portion of the control
device, and a portion that changes the position of the first body
relative to the bicycle handlebar.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the first body defines a first
grip portion of the control device and the second body defines a second
grip portion of the control device and is associated with the first body
to vary the distance of the at least one control member from the
handlebar.

3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the second body is associated with
the first body at respective coupling surfaces having a matching shape.

4. Device according to claim 1, wherein the second body is positioned in a
single predetermined position with respect to the first body.

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the second body is associated with
the first body through screws.

6. Device according to claim 4, wherein the second body is associated with
the first body through glue.

7. Device according to claim 4, wherein the second body is associated with
the first body through a snap coupling.

8. Device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one adjustment
member for adjusting the position of the second body with respect to the
first body.

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the at least one adjustment member
comprises a screw/female screw coupling operatively arranged between the
first body and the second body.

10. Device according to claim 9, wherein one from the screw and the female
screw is associated with one from the first body and second body and the
other from the screw and the female screw is associated with the other
from the first body and second body.

11. Device according to claim 1, wherein the second body is removably
associated with the first body.

12. Device according to claim 1, further comprising an outer coating
sheath which covers the first body and second body.

13. Device according to claim 1, wherein the second body is associated
with a lower surface of the first body.

14. Device according to claim 13, wherein the control device further
comprises a lower wall defined in part by the lower surface of the first
body and in part by a lower surface of the second body.

15. Device according to claim 13, wherein the control device further
comprises a lower wall defined integrally by a lower surface of the
second body.

16. Device according to claim 1, wherein the second body is associated
with an outer side surface of the first body.

17. Device according to claim 16, wherein the control device further
comprises an outer side wall defined in part by the outer side surface of
the first body and in part by an outer side surface of the second body.

18. Device according to claim 16, wherein the control device further
comprises an outer side wall defined integrally by an outer side surface
of the second body.

19. Device according to claim 1, wherein the second body is associated
with an inner side surface of the first body.

20. Device according to claim 19, wherein the control device further
comprises an inner side wall defined in part by the inner side surface of
the first body and in part by an inner side surface of the second body.

21. Device according to claim 19, wherein the control device further
comprises an inner side wall defined integrally by an inner side surface
of the second body.

22. Device according to claim 1, wherein the second body is associated
with an upper surface of the first body.

23. Device according to claim 22, wherein the control device further
comprises an upper wall defined in part by the upper surface of the first
body and in part by an upper surface of the second body.

24. Device according to claim 22, wherein the control device further
comprises an upper wall defined integrally by an upper surface of the
second body.

25. Device according to claim 1, wherein the second body is associated
with a rear surface of the first body, so as to be operatively arranged
between the first body and the handlebar when the first body is
associated with the handlebar.

26. Device according to claim 25, wherein the control device comprises a
rear wall defined in part by the rear surface of the first body and in
part by a rear surface of the second body.

27. Device according to claim 25, wherein the control device comprises a
rear wall defined integrally by a rear surface of the second body.

28. Device according to claim 1, wherein the second body, when associated
with the first body, extends at least partially over at least one of a
lower surface, an inner side surface, an outer side surface, an upper
surface, and a rear surface of the first body.

29. Bicycle comprising a control device according to claim 1.

30. Kit of parts for the assembly of a control device for a bicycle,
comprising a first body adapted to be associated with a bicycle handlebar
and provided with at least one control member of at least one bicycle
component, and at least two second bodies adapted to be selectively
associated with the first body, wherein the at least two second bodies
differ in at least one of shape and size.

31. A control device for a bicycle, the control device comprising:a first
body mounted to a bicycle handlebar;at least one control member that
controls a bicycle component; anda second body associated with the first
body,wherein the first body defines a first grip portion of the control
device,wherein the second body varies a distance of the at least one
control member from the handlebar.

32. The control device according to claim 31, wherein the second body is
associated with the first body at a lower surface of the first body and
extends substantially over the entire lower surface of the first body.

33. The control device according to claim 32, wherein each of an outer
side wall and an inner side part of the control device has a respective
surface substantially parallel to a substantially vertical intermediate
reference plane P that passes through the control device.

34. The control device according to claim 31, wherein the second body is
associated with the first body at an inner side surface of the first
body.

35. The control device according to claim 33, wherein an inner side wall
of the control device has surface portions not parallel to a
substantially vertical intermediate reference plane P that passes through
the control device.

36. The control device according to claim 31, further comprising at least
one adjustment member for adjusting the position of the second body with
respect to the first body.

37. The control device according to claim 36, wherein the second body
comprises a portion that projects rearwardly with respect to the first
body.

38. The control device according to claim 37, wherein upon activation of
the adjustment member, a grip surface of the control device 1 and the
distance of the at least one control member from the handlebar are
simultaneously adjusted.

39. Control device for a bicycle, comprising:a first body adapted to be
associated with a bicycle handlebar;at least one control member that
controls at least one bicycle component that is remote from the control
member; anda second body that is distinct from the first body,wherein the
first body defines a grip portion of the control device and the second
body changes the position of the control member relative to the bicycle
handlebar.

40. The control device of claim 39, wherein the second body changes the
position of the control member relative to the bicycle handlebar by
rotating the control member with respect to the handlebar.

41. The control device of claim 40, wherein the second body has a first
portion that mates with the first body and a second portion that mates
with the handlebar.

42. The control device of claim 41, wherein the second body mates with the
first body in a snap engagement.

Description:

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001]The present invention relates to a control device for a bicycle. In
particular, the invention relates to a control device used to ride a
bicycle and to actuate/control at least one bicycle component as in, for
example, a derailleur (front or rear), a brake (for the front or rear
wheel), a servo-assisted gearshift, or a cyclecomputer.

BACKGROUND

[0002]Known control devices for racing bicycles are associated with the
curved portions of the bicycle handlebar, one on the right and one on the
left, to allow the cyclist to grip it to ride the bicycle, as an
alternative to the grip on the classical grip provided on the curved
portions of the handlebar, and to allow simultaneous actuation/control of
one or more components of the bicycle as in, for example, a brake (front
or rear), a derailleur (front or rear), and possibly a cyclecomputer.

[0003]Known control devices typically comprise a support body mounted on
the handlebar of the bicycle so as to project ahead from it and it is
shaped so as to make it easier for the cyclist to grip it in particular
racing situations. Moreover, in the case in which there is a derailleur
actuation lever on the inner side wall of the support body, when the
cyclist actuates this lever with his thumb it can knock against the ends
of the other fingers. In these circumstances an uncomfortable condition
for the cyclist occurs, with a consequent loss of efficiency of the grip.

[0004]Moreover, in the case of cyclists with large hands, the space
defined on the support body between the derailleur actuation lever
arranged behind the brake lever and the handlebar can be very small, with
the consequent possibility of accidental contact with the aforementioned
lever when the cyclist rides the bicycle gripping the handlebar at the
opposite curved end portions thereof. Such an accidental contact is made
even more probable by the fact that the cyclist typically wears gloves
that increase the bulk of the fingers.

SUMMARY

[0005]The control device for a bicycle includes a first body adapted to be
associated with a bicycle handlebar. The control device further includes
at least one control member of at least one bicycle component, and a
second body, distinct from the first body, associated with the first
body.

[0006]A kit of parts can also be assembled to form a control device for a
bicycle. The kit includes a first body adapted to be associated with a
bicycle handlebar and is provided with at least one control member of at
least one bicycle component. The kit further includes at least two second
bodies adapted to be selectively associated with the first body, wherein
the at least two second bodies differ in at least one of shape and size.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0007]Further characteristics and advantages of the control device shall
become clearer from the following detailed description of some preferred
embodiments thereof, made with reference to the attached drawings. In
these drawings:

[0008]FIG. 1 is a side view of a known control device;

[0009]FIG. 2 is a side view partially in section of a first embodiment of
a control device;

[0010]FIG. 2a is a sectional view along the plane A of FIG. 2;

[0011]FIGS. 3 and 4 are sectional views of two alternative embodiments of
the control device;

[0012]FIG. 5 is a side view partially in section of a further embodiment
of the control device;

[0013]FIGS. 6 to 8 are sectional views of three further alternative
embodiments of the control device;

[0014]FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of a further embodiment of the
control device;

[0015]FIGS. 10-15 are side views partially in section of further
alternative embodiments of the control device;

[0016]FIG. 16 is a side view partially in section of a further embodiment
of a control device;

[0017]FIG. 16a is a perspective view of an element (second body) of the
control device of FIG. 16;

[0018]FIG. 16b is a top view of the element of FIG. 16a;

[0019]FIG. 16c is a sectional view along the plane Z-Z of FIG. 16b;

[0020]FIG. 17 is a side view partially in section of a further embodiment
of a control device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Introduction to the Embodiments

[0021]The control device is adapted to be used in a racing bicycle, i.e.,
in a bicycle whose handlebar has opposite curved free end portions.

[0022]A bicycle can comprise the aforementioned control device.

[0023]Further, a kit of parts can be assembled to form the aforementioned
control device.

[0024]Throughout the present description and in the subsequent claims, the
spatial terms, in particular the terms front, rear, side, upper, lower,
vertical, and horizontal, are used with reference to the mounted
condition of the control device on the handlebar of the bicycle. The
terms inner and outer, on the other hand, with reference to the handlebar
in a neutral position, identify the area towards the center of the
handlebar and the area opposite the center of the handlebar with respect
to an intermediate reference plane which substantially vertically passes
through the control device.

[0025]In a first aspect thereof, a control device for a bicycle comprises
a first body adapted to be associated with a bicycle handlebar, at least
one control member of at least one bicycle component, and a second body,
distinct from the first body, associated with the first body.

[0026]The control device that is formed from two distinct bodies can be
associated with each other allows the cyclist to adapt the control device
to the size of his hand. The cyclist has the possibility of increasing
the hand rest surface and/or of modifying the relative positioning of the
control members with respect to the handlebar.

[0027]A suitable coupling and positioning of the second body at suitable
surfaces of the first body allows the hand rest surface to be increased.
In this case, the aforementioned first body defines a first grip portion
of the control device and the second body defines a second grip portion
of the control device.

[0028]A suitable coupling and positioning of the second body at suitable
surfaces of the first body also allows the space between the possible
derailleur actuation lever arranged behind a brake lever to be increased.

[0029]In this case, the second body is associated with the first body so
as to be operatively interposed between the first body and the handlebar
of the bicycle when the first body is associated with such handlebar.

[0030]A suitable coupling and positioning of the second body at suitable
surfaces of the first body also allows the distance between the brake
lever and the handlebar to be reduced.

[0031]Also in this case, the second body is associated with the first body
so as to be operatively interposed between the first body and the
handlebar of the bicycle when the first body is associated with such
handlebar.

[0032]The second body is associated with the first body at respective
coupling surfaces having a matching shape. In particular, a shape
coupling is made between the second body and the first body.

[0033]In a first embodiment of the control device, the second body is
positioned in a single predetermined position with respect to the first
body. In this case a plurality (for example three) of second bodies of
different shapes and sizes can be provided so as to allow the cyclist to
select the most suitable one, according to the size of his own hand.

[0034]In this case, the coupling between the first body and the second
body can, for example, be carried out through screws, glue, or through a
snap coupling or a dap joint. A simple shape coupling can also be carried
out in which the coupling of the two matching surfaces is maintained by
the holding action exerted by an outer coating sheath that covers the
first body and the second body.

[0035]In an alternative embodiment thereof, the control device comprises
at least one adjustment member of the position of the second body with
respect to the first body. The cyclist in this case has the opportunity
to precisely adjust the relative positioning of the second body with
respect to the first body.

[0036]This adjustment member comprises a screw/female screw coupling
operatively interposed between the first body and the second body,
wherein one from the screw and the female screw is associated with one
from the first body and the second body and the other from the screw and
the female screw is associated with the other from the first body and the
second body.

[0037]The second body is removably associated with the first body, so as
to be able to allow an interchangeability of the second bodies.

[0038]Irrespective of the specific embodiment of the control device, an
outer coating sheath covers the first body and the second body. Such a
sheath also carries out the function of keeping the coupling surfaces of
the first body and of the second body in contact with each other,
ensuring the coupling between first body and second body even in the
absence of further connection means such as glue or screws.

[0039]The control device comprises various embodiments, including wherein
the second body is associated with a lower surface, an inner side
surface, an outer side surface, an upper surface and a rear surface,
respectively, of the first body and extends fully or only partially over
one or more of the aforementioned surfaces of the first body. When the
second body is associated with the rear surface of the first body, the
second body is operatively interposed between the first body and the
handlebar when the first body is associated with the handlebar.

[0040]In a second aspect thereof, a bicycle comprising the control device
described above has all of the structural and functional characteristics
discussed above with reference to the control device individually or in
combination.

[0041]In a third aspect thereof, a kit of parts for the assembly of a
control device for a bicycle, comprises a first body adapted to be
associated with a bicycle handlebar and provided with at least one
control member of at least one bicycle component, and at least two second
bodies adapted to be selectively associated with the first body, wherein
the at least two second bodies differ in at least one from shape and
size.

[0042]The aforementioned kit of parts allows the cyclist to adapt the
control device to the size of his own hand, increasing the hand rest
surface and/or modifying the relative positioning of the control members
with respect to the handlebar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043]The following description is made with reference to a right control
device, i.e., a control device that is adapted to be associated with the
handlebar of the bicycle at the curved end portion of the handlebar that,
looking at the handlebar in the neutral position thereof and from a point
of view like that of the cyclist during travel, is located to the right
of the cyclist. However, it is clear that what is described has analogous
application in the case of a left control device.

[0044]FIG. 1 shows a known control device 150. Such a device comprises a
main body 151 made in a single piece. The main body 151 is adapted to be
mounted on the handlebar of a racing bicycle at the opposite curved end
portions of the handlebar.

[0045]FIGS. 2-15, on the other hand, show various embodiments of a control
device 1.

[0046]In all of these embodiments, the control device 1 comprises a first
body 20 and a second body 30 associated with the first body 20.

[0047]The control device 1 is adapted to be fixed, at a rear wall 3
thereof, to a curved end portion of a handlebar 100 of a racing bicycle,
so as to project ahead of the handlebar to be gripped by the cyclist in
particular racing situations as in, for example, climbing or sprinting.

[0048]The attachment of the control device 1 to the handlebar of the
bicycle takes place through conventional connection means (not
illustrated) as, for example, a clip.

[0049]The control device 1 is defined, as well as by the rear wall 3, by
an outer side wall 4 (FIGS. 2a, 3, 4, 6-8), an inner side wall 5 arranged
on the opposite side to the outer side wall 4 with respect to an
intermediate reference plane P (FIGS. 2a, 3, 4, 6-8) vertically passing
through the first body 20, an upper transversal wall 6 connecting the
outer side wall 4 and the inner side wall 5 together and a lower
transversal wall 7 opposite the upper transversal wall 6.

[0050]Throughout the present description and in the subsequent claims, the
expression "intermediate reference plane" is used to indicate any
substantially vertical plane that passes through the control device, not
necessarily a plane of symmetry or a middle plane of such a control
device.

[0051]All the walls of the control device 1 are covered by an outer
coating sheath G.

[0052]In all the embodiments illustrated in the attached figures, the
first body 20 is shaped so as to make it easier for the cyclist to grip
it. Therefore, it has a projection 100 upwards in a front portion 10
thereof. Thus the upper wall 6a of the body 20 has a substantially
saddle-shaped profile, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2a, 5, 10-15.

[0053]In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2a, the outer side wall
4, the inner side wall 5, the upper transversal wall 6 and the rear wall
3 of the control device 1 are defined by an outer side surface 4a, an
inner side surface 5a, an upper transversal surface 6a and a rear surface
3a of the first body 20, respectively, whereas the lower transversal wall
7 of the control device 1 is fully defined by a lower transversal surface
7b of the second body 30.

[0054]An alternative embodiment of the control device 1 illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 2a can be provided, wherein the lower transversal wall 7 of
the control device 1 is defined in part by the lower transversal surface
7b of the second body 30 and in part by a lower transversal surface 7a of
the first body 20. In this case, the second body 30 is shorter in length
than the first body 20 at the respective lower transversal surfaces 7a
and 7b. The control device 1 comprises, at the front portion 10 of the
first body 20, a brake cable actuation lever 40. The lever 40 is hinged
to the first body 20 at the upper part of the first body 20 in a
conventional way.

[0055]The control device 1 further comprises an actuation lever 50 of a
derailleur (in particular of a rear derailleur) in a first gearshifting
direction. The lever 50 is arranged behind the brake lever 40 and is
articulated to the first body 20 in a conventional way.

[0056]The control device 1 then comprises a derailleur actuation lever 60
in a gearshifting direction opposite the one in which the derailleur is
actuated by acting upon the lever 50. The lever 60 is articulated to the
first body 20 at the inner side surface 5a thereof and projects from it.
The lever 50 and the lever 60 act upon a mechanical-type control device
arranged inside the first body 20 as, for example, described in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,792,826 to the same Applicant, incorporated herein by reference.

[0057]The second body 30 has a coupling surface 31 with the first body 20.

[0058]The second body 30 can be associated with the first body 20 at any
of the various surfaces of the first body 20.

[0059]With particular reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2
and 2a, the second body 30 is associated with the first body 20 at the
lower surface 7a of the first body 20 and extends substantially over the
entire lower surface 7a of the first body 20. The second body 30 can be
positioned with respect to the first body 20 so as to define a single
predetermined relative position. Between the lower surface 7a of the
first body 20 and the coupling surface 31 of the second body 30, an
adhesive substance can be arranged, for example a glue, but other
coupling means can be provided such as, for example, screws. It is also
possible to simply provide a shape coupling between matching surfaces 7a
and 31 of the first body 20 and of the second body 30, such a coupling
being kept operative by the compression action exerted by the outer
coating sheath G. The coupling between the surface 7a of the first body
20 and the matching surface 31 of the second body 30 can also be a snap
or dap joint coupling.

[0060]In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2a, the outer side wall
4 and the inner side part 5 of the control device 1 have respective
surfaces substantially parallel to the intermediate reference plane P,
apart from small convexities and roundings.

[0061]When the cyclist grips the control device 1, part of the palm of his
hand rests on the upper transversal wall 6 and part on the outer side
wall 4. The fingers of the hand, meanwhile, rest upon part of the outer
side wall 4, upon the lower transversal wall 7 and upon the inner side
wall 5. The thumb embraces the control device 1 from the top resting upon
the surface of the inner side wall 5, whereas the other fingers embrace
the control device from the bottom with their ends resting upon the
surface of the inner side wall 5. Comparing FIGS. 2 and 2a with FIG. 1,
it can be seen how the use of the second body 30 causes on the control
device 1 an increase of the rest surface for the cyclist's hand.

[0062]The second body 30 can also comprise a portion 7c (shown with a
broken line in FIG. 2) that, projecting rearwardly with respect to the
first body 20, allows the levers 40 and 50 to be moved away from the
handlebar.

[0063]FIG. 16 shows an alternative embodiment of a control device. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the second body 30 is associated with the
first body 20 at the lower surface 7a of the first body 20 and extends
for a short part of such a lower surface 7a. The second body 30 comprises
a portion 7c that, projecting rearwardly with respect to the first body
20, allows the control device 1 to be positioned on the handlebar in a
rotated position with respect to that of a conventional control device,
with the levers 40 and 50 being more distant from the handlebar. This is
a favourable configuration in the case of cyclists with large hands.

[0064]More specifically, as also shown in FIGS. 16a to 16c, the second
body 30 has a coupling surface 31 having a shape which substantially
match that of the part 7a' of the lower surface 7a against which it is in
contact, while the projecting portion 7c is substantially U-shaped and is
coupled with an edge 20a of the first body 20. Such a coupling occurs
substantially by mechanical interference. The rear part 7e of the
projecting portion 7c, that is the part which faces the handlebar, has a
substantially cylindrical shape adapted to couple with the substantially
cylindrical outer surface of the handlebar.

[0065]The alternative embodiment of FIG. 17 differs from that of FIG. 16
in that the U-shaped end part has an undercut edge 7d. The area of the
projecting portion 7c where is formed such an undercut edge 7d is
preferably elastically pliable so that the second body 30 can be snap
coupled to the first body 20.

[0066]FIGS. 3 and 4 show alternative embodiments of the control device 1.
In FIGS. 3 and 4, elements corresponding to those described above with
reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2a are indicated
with the same reference numeral.

[0067]The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 differ from the one
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2a only for the size of the second body 30. In
particular, the height of the second body 30 of FIG. 3 is greater than
that of the second body 30 of FIGS. 2 and 2a and the height of the second
body 30 of FIG. 4 is greater than that of the second body 30 of FIG. 3.
Comparing FIGS. 2a, 3, and 4 it can be seen how, as the height of the
second body 30 increases, the rest surface for the cyclist's hand
increases.

[0068]The coupling between the first body 20 and the second body 30 can be
of the removable type.

[0069]A removable coupling can, for example, be made by providing a
coupling through screws, or through shape coupling at the matching
surfaces of the first body 20 and of the second body 30.

[0070]FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the control device 1 which
differs from that of FIGS. 2 and 2a only in that the coupling between the
first body 20 and the second body 30 is of the adjustable type. The
elements of FIG. 5 corresponding to those described above with reference
to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2a are indicated with the
same reference numeral.

[0071]In the embodiment of FIG. 5, an adjustment member of the relative
position between the second body 30 and the first body 20 is provided so
as to be able to adjust the position of the second body 30 with respect
to the first body 20 as desired. In particular, such an adjustment member
comprises an adjustment screw 32 associated, at one end thereof, with the
second body 30 and, at the opposite end thereof, with a female screw 33
fixedly connected to the first body 20. Alternatively, the screw 32 can
be associated with the first body 20 and the female screw 33 can be
fixedly connected to the second body 30.

[0072]The second body 30 can also comprise a portion 7c (shown with a
broken line in FIG. 5) which projects rearwardly with respect to the
first body 20. In this case, by acting upon the screw 32 the grip surface
of the control device 1 and the distance of the levers 40 and 50 from the
handlebar are simultaneously adjusted.

[0073]Further alternative embodiments of the control device 1 are provided
as in, for example, those illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. In such
figures, elements corresponding to those described above with reference
to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2a are indicated with the
same reference numeral.

[0074]The embodiments of FIGS. 6-8 differ from the one illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 2a in that the second body 30 is associated with the first
body 20 at an inner side surface 5a of the first body 20 and in that the
inner side wall 5 of the control device 1 has surface portions not
parallel to the intermediate reference plane P.

[0075]The inner side part 5 of the control device 1 is in this case
defined in part by an inner side surface 5b of the second body 30 and in
part by an inner side surface 5a of the first body 20, whereas the outer
side wall 4, the upper transversal wall 6, the lower transversal wall 7,
and the rear wall 3 of the control device 1 are, on the other hand,
defined by an outer side surface 4a, an upper transversal surface 6a, a
lower transversal surface 7a, and a rear surface 3a, respectively, of the
first body 20.

[0076]Alternative embodiments of the control device 1 illustrated in FIGS.
6-8 can be provided, wherein the inner side wall 5 of the control device
1 is defined integrally by the inner side surface 5b of the second body
30. In this case, the second body 30 has a height substantially equal to
that of the first body 20 at the respective inner side surfaces 5a and
5b.

[0077]The inner side wall 5 of the control device 1 has an upper portion
21, a lower portion 22, and an intermediate portion 23. The lower portion
22 and the intermediate portion 23 are defined in the second body 30,
whereas the upper portion 21 is defined in the first body 20.

[0078]The upper portion 21 has a surface 11 substantially parallel to the
intermediate reference plane P, and therefore to the surface of the outer
side portion 4, again apart from small convexities and roundings. The
lower portion 22, on the other hand, has a surface 12 which is inclined
by an angle α with respect to the plane P. Between the surface 11
of the upper portion 21 and the surface 12 of the lower portion 22, an
intermediate surface 13 is defined. Such an intermediate surface 13 is
therefore defined at the intermediate portion 23 of the inner side wall 5
of the control device 1.

[0079]The orientation of the surface 12 of the lower portion 22 of the
inner side wall 5 is such that the surface 12 moves away from the
intermediate reference plane P (and therefore from the outer side wall 4)
as one moves along the inner side wall 5 from the lower portion 22
towards the upper portion 21, i.e., from the bottom towards the top.

[0080]The angle α of inclination can be selected within the range of
values between 20° and 60°.

[0081]However, in the preferred embodiment of the control device 1, the
angle α is within the range of values between 30° and
60°, and preferably is substantially equal to 40°.

[0082]The orientation of the intermediate surface 13, on the other hand,
is such that the surface 13 goes towards the intermediate reference plane
P (and therefore to the outer side wall 4) as one moves along the inner
side wall 5 from the lower portion 22 towards the upper portion 21.

[0083]The surface 12 of the lower portion 22 of the inner side wall 5 and
the intermediate surface 13 define an enlargement of the control device 1
which has, in a direction from the bottom towards the top, an extension
greater than the extension of the surface 11 of the upper portion 21 of
the side wall 5.

[0084]In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated) of the control
device, the coupling between the first body 20 and the second body 30 can
be made at the outer side wall 4a of the first body 20.

[0085]FIG. 6 illustrates in particular an embodiment of the control device
1 wherein the coupling between the second body 30, in which the lower
portion 22 and the intermediate portion 23 of the inner side wall 5 are
defined, and the first body 20 takes place at respective coupling
surfaces having a matching shape. The two coupling surfaces are kept in
abutment against one another by the outer coating sheath G. In the
illustrated example, the angle of inclination α is substantially
equal to 40°, but the value of such an angle can be anything
within the range between 20° and 60°.

[0086]FIG. 7, on the other hand, illustrates an embodiment of the control
device 1, wherein the coupling between the second body 30, in which the
lower portion 22 and the intermediate portion 23 of the inner side wall 5
of the control device 1 are defined, and the first body 20 is a snap
coupling. In the illustrated example, the angle of inclination α is
substantially equal to 60°, but the value of such an angle can be
anything within the range between 20° and 60°.

[0087]FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the control device 1,
wherein the coupling between the second body 30, in which the lower
portion 22 and the intermediate portion 23 of the inner side wall 5 of
the control device 1 are defined, and the first body 20 takes place
through screws 71. In the illustrated example, the angle of inclination
α is substantially equal to 20°, but the value of such an
angle can be anything within the range between 20° and 60°.

[0088]In a further embodiment of the control device 1, or possibly also in
the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, between the coupling
surfaces 31 of the second body 30 and 5a of the first body 20, an
adhesive substance can be arranged as, for example, a glue.

[0089]In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, when the cyclist grips
the control device 1, part of the palm of his hand rests upon the upper
transversal wall 6 and part upon the outer side wall 4. The fingers of
the hand, meanwhile, rest upon part of the outer side wall 4, upon the
lower transversal wall 7, and upon the inner side wall 5. The thumb
embraces the control device 1 from the top resting upon the surface 11 of
the upper portion 21 or upon the surface 13 of the intermediate portion
23 of the inner side wall 5, whereas the other fingers embrace the
control device 1 from the bottom with their ends resting upon the surface
12 of the lower portion 22 of the inner side wall 5.

[0090]FIG. 9 shows a further alternative embodiment of the control device
1. In this figure, elements corresponding to those described above with
reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2a are indicated
with the same reference numeral.

[0091]The embodiment of FIG. 9 differs from the one illustrated in FIGS. 2
and 2a only in that, in this embodiment, the second body 30 is defined by
a finger rest element 120 associated with the first body 20 at a lower
portion 22 of the latter. The finger rest element 120 extends according
to a direction inclined by the angle α with respect to the
intermediate reference plane P. Between the finger rest element 120 and
the first body 20 an inclination adjustment member of the finger rest
element 120 with respect to the first body 20 is provided. In the
illustrated example, such an adjustment member comprises an adjustment
screw 32 associated, at one end thereof, with a female screw 33 fixedly
connected to the first body 20 and, at the opposite end thereof, with the
finger rest element 120. Alternatively, the screw 32 can be associated
with the finger rest element 120 and the female screw 33 can be fixedly
connected to the first body 20.

[0092]When the cyclist grips the control device 1, part of the palm of his
hand rests upon the upper transversal wall 6 and part upon the outer side
wall 4. The fingers of the hand, meanwhile, rest upon part of the outer
side wall 4, upon the lower transversal wall 7, and upon the inner side
wall 5. The thumb embraces the control device 1 from the top resting upon
the surface of the inner side wall 5, whereas the other fingers embrace
the control device 1 from the bottom with their ends resting upon the
finger rest element 120.

[0093]FIG. 10 illustrates a further embodiment of the control device 1.
Such an embodiment differs from that of FIGS. 2 and 2a only in that the
second body 30 is associated with the first body 20 at the rear surface
3a of the latter and extends over a part of the rear surface 3a, with the
thicker part of the second body 30 arranged at the lower part of the rear
surface 3a of the first body 20. In FIG. 10, elements corresponding to
those described above with reference to the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 2a are indicated with the same reference numeral.

[0094]The second body 30 can be positioned with respect to the first body
20 so as to define a single predetermined relative position. Between the
rear surface 3a of the first body 20 and the coupling surface 31 of the
second body 30 an adhesive substance can be provided as in, for example,
a glue.

[0095]In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the rear wall 3 of the control device
1 is defined in part by the rear surface 3a of the first body 20 and in
part by the rear surface 3b of the second body 30, whereas the outer side
wall 4, the inner side wall 5, the upper transversal wall 6, and the
lower transversal wall 7 of the control device 1 are, on the other hand,
defined by an outer side surface 4a, an inner side surface 5a, an upper
transversal surface 6a, and a lower transversal surface 7a, respectively,
of the first body 20.

[0096]An alternative embodiment of the control device 1 illustrated in
FIG. 10 can be provided, wherein the rear wall 3 of the control device 1
is integrally defined by the rear surface 3b of the second body 30. In
this case, the second body 30 has a height substantially equal to that of
the first body 20 at the respective rear surfaces 3a and 3b.

[0097]The use of a coupling configuration like the one illustrated in FIG.
10 allows the control device 1 of FIG. 10 to be positioned on the
handlebar in a rotated position with respect to a conventional device,
with the levers 40 and 50 being at a greater distance from the handlebar.
This situation is favorable for cyclists with large hands.

[0098]FIG. 11 illustrates a further embodiment of the control device 1.
Such an embodiment differs from that of FIG. 10 only in that the second
body 30 is associated with the first body 20 on a part of the rear
surface 3a of the latter with the thickest part of the second body 30
arranged at the upper part of the rear surface 3a of the first body 20.
The use of a coupling configuration like the one illustrated in FIG. 11
allows the control device 1 of FIG. 10 to be positioned on the handlebar
in a rotated position with respect to a conventional device, with the
levers 40 and 50 being closer to the handlebar. This situation is
favorable for cyclists with small hands.

[0099]An alternative embodiment of the control device 1 illustrated in
FIG. 11 can be provided, wherein the rear wall 3 of the control device 1
is integrally defined by the rear surface 3b of the second body 30. In
this case, the second body 30 has a height substantially equal to that of
the first body 20 at the respective rear surfaces 3a and 3b.

[0100]FIG. 12 illustrates a further embodiment of the control device 1.
Such an embodiment differs from that of FIG. 10 in that an adjustment
member of the relative position between the second body 30 and the first
body 20 is provided so as to adjust the position of the second body 30
with respect to the first body 20 as desired. In particular, such an
adjustment member comprises an adjustment screw 32 associated, at one end
thereof, with the second body 30 and, at the opposite end thereof, with a
female screw 33 fixedly connected to the first body 20. Alternatively,
the screw 32 can be associated with the first body 20 and the female
screw 33 can be fixedly connected to the second body 30.

[0101]FIG. 13 illustrates a further embodiment of the control device 1.
Such an embodiment differs from that of FIGS. 2 and 2a only in that the
second body 30 is associated with the first body 20 both at part of the
lower wall 7 (as in the embodiment of FIG. 2) and at part of the rear
wall 3 of the control device 1 (as in the embodiment of FIG. 10) and
substantially extends both on the lower wall 7 and on the rear surface 3.
The second body 30 can be positioned with respect to the first body 20 so
as to define a single predetermined relative position, but as for
embodiments described previously it is possible to provide an adjustment
member of the relative position of the second body 30 with respect to the
first body 20. Such a coupling configuration allows the advantages
discussed with reference to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 10
to be achieved.

[0102]In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the rear wall 3 of the control device
1 is in this case defined in part by the rear surface 3a of the first
body 20 and in part by the rear surface 3b of the second body 30. The
outer side wall 4, the inner side wall 5, and the upper transversal wall
6 of the control device 1 are defined by an outer side surface 4a, an
inner side surface 5a, and an upper transversal surface 6a, respectively,
of the first body 20, whereas the lower transversal wall 7 of the device
1 is defined by a lower transversal surface 7b of the second body 30.

[0103]An alternative embodiment of the control device 1 illustrated in
FIG. 13 can be provided, wherein the rear wall 3 of the control device 1
is integrally defined by the rear surface 3b of the second body 30 and
the lower transversal wall 7 of the control device 1 is defined in part
by the lower transversal surface 7a of the first body 20 and in part by
the lower transversal surface 7b of the second body 30. In this case, the
second body 30 is shorter in length and height than the first body 20 at
the respective lower transversal surfaces 7a and 7b and the respective
rear surfaces 3a and 3b.

[0104]FIG. 14 illustrates a further embodiment of the control device 1.
Such an embodiment differs from that of FIGS. 2 and 2a only in that the
second body 30 is associated with the first body 20 at the upper surface
6a of the latter and extends over a part of the upper surface 6a, with
the thickest part of the second body 30 arranged at the rear part of the
upper surface 6a of the first body 20. In FIG. 14, elements corresponding
to those described above with reference to the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 2a are indicated with the same reference numeral.

[0105]The second body 30 can be positioned with respect to the first body
20 so as to define a single predetermined relative position. Between the
surface 6a of the first body 20 and the coupling surface 31 of the second
body 30 an adhesive substance can be provided as in, for example, a glue.

[0106]In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the upper wall 6 of the control device
1 is defined in part by the upper surface 6a of the first body 20 and in
part by the upper surface 6b of the second body 30, whereas the outer
side wall 4, the inner side wall 5, the rear wall 3 and the lower
transversal wall 7 of the control device 1 are, on the other hand,
defined by an outer side surface 4a, an inner side surface 5a, a rear
surface 3a, and a lower transversal surface 7a, respectively, of the
first body 20.

[0107]The second body 30 can also comprise a portion 7c (shown with a
broken line in FIG. 14) which, projecting rearwardly with respect to the
first body 20, allows the levers 40 and 50 to be brought closer to the
handlebar.

[0108]An alternative embodiment of the control device 1 illustrated in
FIG. 14 can be provided, wherein the upper wall 6 of the control device 1
is integrally defined by the upper surface 6b of the second body 30. In
this case, the second body 30 has a length substantially equal to that of
the first body 20 at the respective upper surfaces 6a and 6b.

[0109]The use of a coupling configuration like the one illustrated in FIG.
14 allows the grip surface of the control device to be increased. This
situation is favorable for cyclists with large hands.

[0110]FIG. 15 illustrates a further embodiment of the control device 1.
Such an embodiment differs from that of FIGS. 2 and 2a only in that the
second body 30 is associated with the first body 20 both at part of the
upper wall 6 (as in the embodiment of FIG. 14) and at part of the rear
wall 3 of the latter (as in the embodiment of FIG. 11) and substantially
extends both on the upper wall 6 and on the rear wall 3. The second body
30 can be adjustably positioned with respect to the first body 20. For
this purpose, an adjustment member of the relative position between the
second body 30 and the first body 20 is provided at the crossing point of
the rear wall 3 with the upper wall 6 of the device 1, so as to adjust
the position of the second body 30 with respect to the first body 20 as
desired. In particular, such an adjustment member comprises an adjustment
screw 32 associated, at one end thereof, with the second body 30 and, at
the opposite end thereof, with a female screw 33 fixedly connected to the
first body 20. Alternatively, the screw 32 can be associated with the
first body 20 and the female screw 33 can be fixedly connected to the
second body 30.

[0111]As for the other embodiments described above, it is nevertheless
possible to associate the second body 30 with the first body 20 so as to
define a single predetermined relative position. Such a coupling
configuration allows the advantages discussed above with reference to the
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 10 or 11 to be achieved.

[0112]In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the rear wall 3 of the control device
1 is in this case defined in part by the rear surface 3a of the first
body 20 and in part by the rear surface 3b of the second body 30 and the
upper wall 6 of the device is in part defined by the upper surface 6a of
the first body 20 and in part by the upper surface 6b of the second body
30. The outer side wall 4, the inner side wall 5, and the lower
transversal wall 7 of the control device 1 are defined by an outer side
surface 4a, an inner side surface 5a, and a lower transversal surface 7a,
respectively, of the first body 20.

[0113]An alternative embodiment of the control device 1 illustrated in
FIG. 15 can be provided wherein the rear wall 3 of the control device 1
is integrally defined by the rear surface 3b of the second body 30 and
the upper transversal wall 6 of the control device 1 is integrally
defined by the upper transversal surface 6b of the second body 30. In
this case, the second body 30 has a length and height equal to those of
the first body 20 at the respective upper transversal surfaces 6a and 6b
and the respective rear surfaces 3a and 3b.

[0114]One skilled in the art shall recognize that it is possible to
combine the various features of the embodiments described above to obtain
further embodiments, all of which are in any case within the scope of
protection as defined by the subsequent claims.

[0115]A kit of parts may be used to assemble a control device 1. The kit
comprises a first body 20 adapted to be associated with a bicycle
handlebar and at least two second bodies 30 adapted to be selectively
associated with the first body 20, wherein the at least two second bodies
30 differ in at least one from shape and size. Such a kit is supplied to
the cyclist to allow him to choose the second body 30 most suitable to
adapt the control device 1 to the size of his hand.

Patent applications by Giuseppe Dal Pra', Zane (vicenza) IT

Patent applications by CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.

Patent applications in class Single rotatable lever (e.g., for bicycle brake or derailleur)

Patent applications in all subclasses Single rotatable lever (e.g., for bicycle brake or derailleur)